Front Brake Rebuild Kit, Beetle 58-64, King Pin Beam

OVERVIEW

When it comes to restoring a classic 1958 to 1964 Volkswagen Beetle, nothing is more critical than the integrity of your stopping system. This EMPI Front Brake Rebuild Kit is the ultimate solution for owners of early Type 1 models equipped with the traditional king pin front beam. Over decades of service, original brake components suffer from heat cycles, fluid crystallization, and hardware fatigue that can lead to dangerous brake fade or pulling. Instead of hunting down individual springs, seals, and cylinders from multiple sources, this comprehensive kit provides every essential component needed to refresh your front end in one shot. By replacing the entire assembly, you ensure that the friction surfaces, hydraulic pressure, and mechanical adjustment points are all working in perfect harmony, returning that firm, predictable pedal feel that your vintage VW had when it first rolled off the assembly line.

This kit is specifically engineered for the 5-on-205mm lug pattern, which is the iconic wide-five bolt circle found on pre-1966 Beetles. Every part included in this package, from the heavy-duty cast drums to the precision-machined wheel cylinders, is manufactured to meet or exceed original equipment specifications. We know that "good enough" doesn''t cut it when you''re cruising at highway speeds or navigating steep grades in a classic air-cooled ride. That is why we have bundled these high-quality EMPI components to eliminate the guesswork. Whether you are performing a frame-off restoration or simply performing much-needed maintenance on a daily driver, this kit provides the reliability and peace of mind that only a complete system overhaul can offer. Don''t settle for piecemeal repairs when you can rebuild the entire front braking system with professional-grade hardware designed specifically for your king pin Beetle.

FITMENT

• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) Sedan: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
• Volkswagen Beetle (Type 1) Convertible: 1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964
• Note: Fits King Pin Front Beams only; will not fit later Ball Joint models.
• Bolt Pattern: 5x205mm (Wide Five)

SPECS

• Brake Drums: (2) High-quality cast iron front drums with 5x205mm bolt pattern.
• Brake Shoes: (1) Set of 4 premium bonded friction shoes for both front wheels.
• Wheel Cylinders: (2) Dual-piston front hydraulic wheel cylinders.
• Hardware Kit: (1) Complete spring and clip kit for secure shoe mounting.
• Adjusting Screws: (4) Precision-threaded brake shoe adjusting screws.
• Adjusting Stars: (4) Hardened steel brake star adjusters for easy tuning.
• Inner Bearings: (2) High-load capacity inner front wheel bearings.
• Outer Bearings: (2) Precision-ground outer front wheel bearings.
• Grease Seals: (2) Double-lip front wheel hub seals to prevent grease contamination.
• Manufacturer: EMPI
• Part Number: A1038

PRO TIPS

1. Clean Those New Drums Thoroughly

One of the most common mistakes builders make is installing new brake drums straight out of the box. These drums are shipped with a thin coating of cosmoline or oil to prevent rust while they sit in the warehouse. If you don''t remove this, it will contaminate your new brake shoes instantly, leading to glazed linings and poor stopping power. Always use a high-quality aerosol brake cleaner to douse the internal friction surface of the drums and wipe them down with a clean, lint-free rag until no residue remains. Doing this ensures the shoes can "bite" into the metal properly during the break-in period.

2. Master the Palm-Packing Technique for Bearings

When installing the new inner and outer bearings included in this kit, never simply smear grease on the outside of the rollers. You must "pack" the bearings by placing a glob of high-temperature wheel bearing grease in the palm of your hand and tapping the edge of the bearing into the grease until it forces its way through the cage and out the other side. This ensures the internal needle rollers are fully lubricated. Failure to pack the bearings correctly is the leading cause of premature spindle wear and bearing failure on king pin front ends.

3. The "Drag and Back-Off" Adjustment Method

To get the best pedal height and prevent your Beetle from pulling to one side, you must adjust the star wheels correctly. With the wheel off the ground, use a brake adjustment tool (or a wide flathead screwdriver) to turn the star adjusters until the brake shoes are tight enough against the drum that the wheel can no longer be turned by hand. Once locked, back the star adjuster off exactly 2 to 3 clicks until you hear a very slight "whisper" of the shoes touching the drum as the wheel spins freely. Repeating this precisely on both sides will ensure your brakes engage simultaneously and provide a firm, high pedal.